Watch: Newt Gingrich Confronted Over Affair, Gay Rights Hypocrisy

At a speaking event at the University of Pennsylvania last night, Newt Gingrich was confronted about his affair and his moral hypocrisy by a student Democratic leader, Politico reports:

Said Isabel Friedman, president of the Penn Democrats, to Gingrich:

"You adamantly oppose gay rights... but you've also been married three times and admitted to having an affair with your current wife while you were still married to your second," "As a successful politician who's considering running for president, who would set the bar for moral conduct and be the voice of the American people, how do you reconcile this hypocritical interpretation of the religious values that you so vigorously defend?"

Snapped Gingrich: "I'll bet almost everybody here can gather the thrust of your question...I appreciate the delicacy and generosity in the way it was framed. ... I hope you feel better about yourself."

Comments

Watching that video didn't go well, but according to that quote I would agree that the way the question was framed was a little awkward. Sure everyone expects your ass to be kissed if you're speaking in public. But that question is on everyone's mind, he' knows it, he's aware of the hypocrisy, so since it's been asked... Perhaps an answer? No why would we get one of those from someone who is trying to one day run the world.

Posted by: Mike | Feb 23, 2011 9:04:50 AM

Nice job Isabel, you showed Gingrich for the thin-skinned, sociopathic hypocrite he is.

Posted by: MikeMick | Feb 23, 2011 9:05:14 AM

His reaction is typical - turn the blame on the person who asked the question, make intellect and clear vision something to be scorned as "tricky" and "of the enemy" for his Neanderthal followers.

Posted by: reality 101 | Feb 23, 2011 9:08:01 AM

well well well, he gets all cunty when someone calls him out on his bullshit. and yet he doesn't answer the question, does he. FAIL.

Posted by: EO | Feb 23, 2011 9:18:03 AM

Gingrich's repulsive and hypocritical love life notwithstanding, after what Republicans did during the health care bill "debate", none of them are allowed to complain about civility ever again.

Response to the question is a lot more important than attempting to de-focus onto anything but an honest answer.

Posted by: Coxhere | Feb 23, 2011 9:24:09 AM

Conservatives are always victims when you bring out their hypocrisy.

How was it framed awkwardly? That's how we out questions to politicians in the uk- all the time.

We don't throw fluffy non questions like Anderson Cooper or Maddow...

Posted by: Rowan | Feb 23, 2011 9:25:33 AM

But that question WAS "delicate" and "generous." If Isabel wanted to frame the question more accurately, she could have noted that Gingrich had an affair and dumped his wife while she was IN THE HOSPITAL UNDERGOING CANCER TREATMENT.

I'd say Gingrich is scum, but scum could sue me for slander for making that comparison.

Posted by: bobbyjoe | Feb 23, 2011 9:30:14 AM

"Conservatives are always victims when you bring out their hypocrisy."

How very true, Rowan. In fact, there are so many right wing hypocrisy "victims" here in the US that I'm surprised our hospitals and courts aren't overflowing with them seeking treatment and then retribution against their questioners. They NEVER answer the question -- only try to turn the table on the one asking the question. These low lifes may think it works but most in their audience aren't stupid. We know the truth when the double-speak falls from a hypocrite's lips. And Gingrich is among the very worst of the GOPer bunch. If you don't think so, ask an ex-Mrs. Gingrich.

Posted by: Rob | Feb 23, 2011 9:34:20 AM

@Rowan
You are exactly right, well said.

Posted by: MikeMick | Feb 23, 2011 9:42:27 AM

I would hope that that question would be asked every time that scum appeared on television but, that would be an exercise in futility. With Olbermann gone,and the unlikely-hood of Gingrich appearing on Maddow, O'donnell or shultz, It is left to Matthews and he is too infatuated with "Newty" to put him on the spot and CNN is too afraid to confront politicians for fear of appearing unprofessional or biased.

Posted by: The Realist | Feb 23, 2011 10:32:26 AM

And the only problem with that question; "Affair" should be plural.

Posted by: The Realist | Feb 23, 2011 10:35:29 AM

This is exactly the way that Gingrich asks questions. he is all about the gotcha.

Posted by: Jack | Feb 23, 2011 10:51:37 AM

So he answers with a non-answer. This issue will be the big elephant in the room all the way to 2012. And how about a hand for the stupid, gullible audience members that applauded him, they must be conservatives too!

I thought Isabel framed the question very well given some of America's "most esteemed" journalist can't even come around to confronting him on this obvious hypocrisy.

Posted by: NY2.0 | Feb 23, 2011 11:09:53 AM

what a dirtbag. i don't get why he was cheered. and the question sounded respectful / honest to me.

Posted by: just a guy | Feb 23, 2011 3:12:01 PM

Newt can't win, but more likely he's angling for either a cabinet position or simple publicity to further his economic empire. The press does need to cast a more critical eye on the impossibly high moral standards of some crusaders, but Newt doesn't even meet low moral standards.

Posted by: anon | Feb 23, 2011 3:32:25 PM

Anyone planning a question like this has to COORDINATE. Make sure that the next person in line to ask a question will stay on the same issue and demand an answer. And the next. And the next.

Posted by: BobN | Feb 23, 2011 3:50:44 PM

One of the most loudest mouthed hypocrites on the planet but oh wait he's a conservative so guess that goes without saying. Please let me wake up and hear he has stage 4 cancer~!